The Beehive

Description

The Beehive is a classic easy hike located in Acadia National Park. There are two trails to the summit. The Beehive trail meanders up exposed ledges using ladder rungs and bridges. The Beehive trail is very straightforward but if you go this route you’ll want to have a descent head for heights and make sure the weather is good. A more mellow trail to the top curves around The Beehive and reaches the summit from the opposite side of the mountain. At the summit, you’ll have incredible views out over the Atlantic Ocean. From Bates, Acadia is best enjoyed as an overnight trip since it takes about three hours to get there. There is reasonably priced camping at Blackwoods which is car camping located in the park (see Additional Notes below). After finishing the hike, check out Sand Beach and take a dip!

Directions

Park in the lot marked for Sand Beach on the left side of the Park Loop Rd. right after passing the park gate. From here, walk back towards the Park Loop Rd. and take a right. Walk along the Park Loop Rd for a few hundred feet until you reach a crosswalk. Follow this to the other side of the road. There should be a sign marking the trailhead. The steeper Beehive Trail breaks off right from the initial trail after about 0.5 miles. Stay straight to reach the summit via the less exposed route.

Location:

Sand Beach, Bar Harbor, ME 04609

44.329727°N, 68.183727°W

Additional Notes

A great stop that is often linked with a hike up the Beehive. Consider spending the night at Blackwoods campground.